Electrostatic potential and electric field of three charges

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electrostatic potential and electric field related to three charges, specifically focusing on the role of a secondary charge, q2, in the context of two other charges, q1 and q3. Participants are exploring how the presence of q2 influences the potential and whether it is relevant to the problem at hand.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the significance of q2, considering its small value and whether it serves as a "test charge." There is also discussion about the phrasing used in the problem, particularly regarding the terms "affected" and "effected."

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the relevance of q2 and its intended purpose in the problem. There is acknowledgment of potential language barriers affecting communication, but no consensus has been reached regarding the implications of q2.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the presence of q2 may have been included to create doubt about their solutions, and there is a recognition of possible translation issues affecting the clarity of the statements made.

Ugnius
Messages
54
Reaction score
10
Homework Statement
Three point charges, q1=q3=9.5 uC and q2=1.28*10^-18 C are placed as shown in picture
a) How strong in electric field in point (0,0), affected by q1 ir q3 . b)Electric potential in point (0,0) affected by q1 ir q3 charges. Let's say electric potential at infinity is 0.
Relevant Equations
V=kq/r ; E=F/q
1633804692307.png


So I started with b)

1633804818229.png

and it there was no q2 this would seem reasonable
I was wanted to ask , what effect does q2 have on potential of these two charges? Because it has to be given for a reason.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ugnius said:
I was wanted to ask , what effect does q2 have on potential of these two charges? Because it has to be given for a reason.
q2 does not play a role in answering (a) and (b). Your answer for (b) looks correct.

It does seem a little odd that q2 is given but q2 doesn't affect the answer. The very small value for q2 might indicate that it is to be thought of as a small "test charge". But, still, it is not relevant.

The phrase "affected by q1 ir q3" is also a bit odd. "effected" might be better than "affected". And I don't understand "ir".
 
TSny said:
q2 does not play a role in answering (a) and (b). Your answer for (b) looks correct.

It does seem a little odd that q2 is given but q2 doesn't affect the answer. The very small value for q2 might indicate that it is to be thought of as a small "test charge". But, still, it is not relevant.

The phrase "affected by q1 ir q3" is also a bit odd. "effected" might be better than "affected". And I don't understand "ir".
Yes , sorry , I had to translate statement from my native to English , so I might've done some mistakes. I realized that q2 was just a trick to make us doubt our solutions. I sent it , and it seems to be correct.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: TSny
Ugnius said:
Yes , sorry , I had to translate statement from my native to English , so I might've done some mistakes.
OK. That's no problem.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ugnius

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
28
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K